2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Engineering Management
Choosing one of the most affordable online engineering management master's degrees can help you advance into leadership roles in tech and engineering without taking on overwhelming debt. All of the accredited online schools in our rankings offer fully online engineering management master’s programs with annual tuition under $11,000.
Below the rankings, we spotlight standout programs on this list:
- Best for Affordability: The University of South Florida Online's engineering master's program costs $5,708 per year, the lowest on our list.
- Best for Online Reach: Liberty University hosts over 45,000 online grad students.
- Best for Alumni Endorsement: The University of Tennessee boasts a 100% recommendation rate from surveyed graduates.
We manually verify all tuition data through direct research. To learn more about how we select schools, visit our full methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Engineering Management
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida Online | Tampa (FL) | $5,708 | |
| Louisiana Tech University | Ruston (LA) | $7,837 | |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte (NC) | $7,939 | |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan (KS) | $8,267 | |
| Northern Illinois University | Dekalb (IL) | $8,396 | |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro (AR) | $9,000 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $9,075 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $9,225 | |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville (AR) | $9,390 | |
| Indiana Tech | Fort Wayne (IN) | $9,735 | |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk (VA) | $9,951 | |
| The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga | Chattanooga (TN) | $10,065 | |
| University of Nebraska - Lincoln | Lincoln (NE) | $10,515 | |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green (KY) | $10,605 |
A Closer Look: Affordability Meets Impact in Online Engineering Management Master's Programs
For working engineers ready to level up, the online master’s in engineering management (MEM) bridges the gap between technical execution and strategic leadership. But as graduate tuition continues to climb, finding an affordable online master's degree that doesn’t sacrifice quality is more important than ever.
Cost Is the Gateway — but Not the Whole Story
Let’s start with price. The University of South Florida Online (USF) leads with a tuition of just $5,708, less than half the cost of many other options. That alone makes it compelling, but USF also shines in retention (90% of students stay on after their first year) and student recommendation (93% based on student surveys we've collected). This strong combination makes USF a rare find in graduate education.
Next in line are Louisiana Tech University ($7,837) and UNC Charlotte ($7,939). LTU offers rare Lean Six Sigma Black Belt integration and four concentration options, making it flexible for diverse career paths. UNC Charlotte boasts a 70% graduation rate and waives GRE/GMAT for experienced professionals, improving accessibility.
Outcomes That Signal Strong ROI
Affordability means little if students aren’t graduating or or feeling like their graduate degree was of value in the long-run. That’s where metrics like graduation rate, retention, and salary outcomes come in.
Kansas State (KSU) offers the best of both worlds: an affordable tuition of $8,267, a 69% graduation rate, and a 98% recommendation rate — the highest in our top 10. If you’re seeking ROI, this is a program that delivers on both cost and outcomes.
The University of Arkansas (UA) balances its $9,390 tuition with standout support: an 86% retention rate and 92% recommendation rate. But earnings matter too — graduates report median salaries of $83,085, which places UA in the 13th percentile nationally. Not top-tier, but respectable given the initial cost.
The University of South Florida edges out competitors in salary too, with a reported median of $106,208. That's a solid ROI for such a low tuition program.
If you haven't yet earned your bachelor's, you may be interested in our lists of the best online engineering management programs and the most affordable online engineering management degrees.
Why High Recommendation Rates Matter — and What They Reveal
In evaluating our list of schools with the cheapest online engineering management master’s programs, recommendation rate is one of the most powerful indicators of true quality. These rates reflect the percentage of surveyed graduates who said they would recommend their school to others.
Among the schools we analyzed, a remarkable 9 out of 14 schools reported recommendation rates of 90% or higher.
Among the schools we analyzed, a remarkable 9 out of 14 schools reported recommendation rates of 90% or higher. That’s a strong sign that many of these engineering management programs will not only meet expectations but exceed them. Whether it’s effective instruction, responsive faculty, career-aligned curriculum, or strong support systems, students felt their experiences were worth endorsing.
This data comes from firsthand surveys conducted by our research team, who manually collect and analyze responses from verified online graduates. That gives us a window into what students truly experience beyond marketing materials or surface-level stats.
High recommendation rates are especially important when you're considering schools that are the right fit for engineering management master's degrees. At this point, students tend to be mid-career professionals juggling work, school, and often family life. If they’re willing to recommend a school after getting through their degree, that usually means the institution respected their time, delivered real value, and helped them move forward professionally.
Unique Engineering Management Master's Degree Features
Across the programs we analyzed, several themes emerged — revealing both shared strengths and compelling differentiators in how these schools approach engineering management education.
One of the most consistent features across top programs is a strong emphasis on flexibility. Schools like Arkansas State (A-State) and Liberty University offer accelerated formats with 8-week or shorter course terms, giving working professionals the option to complete their degrees in as little as one year. A-State, in particular, combines this with multiple start dates and asynchronous delivery, making it one of the most accessible and time-efficient paths for those balancing work and study.
Several schools allow students to personalize their academic journey through specialized concentrations or elective paths. Louisiana Tech University (LTU) offers four distinct tracks — ranging from Data Science to Construction — while Arizona State University (ASU) includes elective paths like quality management, systems engineering, and entrepreneurship. The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga (UTC) goes further with formal concentrations in Construction, Power, and General Engineering Management, along with graduate certificate options for added credentialing.
EXPERT TIP
This kind of modular curriculum gives students control over their career trajectory and the chance to build niche expertise aligned with industry trends.
Several programs stand out for embedding industry certifications or applied learning experiences directly into the curriculum. LTU and ASU both incorporate pathways toward Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, a credential that significantly enhances leadership potential in quality-driven industries. Others, like Northern Illinois University (NIU), require capstone projects with industry partners, ensuring that students graduate with hands-on experience tackling real engineering management challenges.
A growing number of programs are merging engineering core coursework with business acumen. For example, the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) blends its curriculum with courses from the Nebraska MBA program and holds a rare certification from the (ASEM). Meanwhile, Old Dominion University (ODU) and Indiana Tech incorporate business leadership, HR, and operations content throughout, making them strong options for engineers aiming to transition into executive roles. (Indiana Tech even has a dual degree path, enabling students to pursue an MS in Engineering Management alongside an MBA!)
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right online master’s in engineering management is about discovering a program that aligns with your budget, career goals, timeline, and expectations for ROI. Fortunately, many of the programs on this list deliver not only affordability but also standout features, strong student satisfaction, and career-focused design.
Other Standouts Worth a Closer Look
-
NIU: Two rare tracks — Decision Analysis and Global Logistics — plus real-world capstone partnerships.
-
UTC: A perfect 100% recommendation rate speaks volumes. Students love it, and the tuition stays below $10,100.
-
UNL: Certified by the American Society for Engineering Management — only 11 programs in the world carry that distinction. That credibility also shows up in its 98% recommendation rate.
So how do you choose? If earnings and ROI are your focus, prioritize schools with reported alumni salary data. (ASU and USF stand out here.) But don't overlook programs with 90%+ recommendation rates either; this is a powerful signal that students felt supported, challenged, and ultimately successful.
If you are determined to finish school quickly, look for accelerated formats like those at Arkansas State. Need a blend of business and engineering? Indiana Tech and UNL offer MBA-style curricula without sacrificing technical rigor. And if you're using military benefits or employer funding, flexibility matters: Liberty, WKU, and KSU offer generous transfer policies, frequent start dates, and strong student support.
At the end of the day, the smartest choice is the one that balances cost with impact. These master's programs prove that you don’t have to overpay for a credential that prepares you for leadership in engineering, operations, or tech-driven management roles. Informed with the most recent available data, you can move forward with financial confidence.
As an alternative to a master's in engineering management, you may want to consider earning an online master's in management or an online master's in business administration.
FAQs About an Affordable Online Master's in Engineering Management
Who Should Pursue a Master's in Engineering Management and What Are the Prerequisites?
Engineering management master's programs blend technical expertise with managerial skills to prepare graduates for leadership roles in various engineering fields. If you enroll in one of these programs, you'll learn to plan and monitor complex projects, optimize team performance, oversee budgets, and integrate technological innovations within businesses.
Projects and assignments in these programs are designed to mirror real-world scenarios. You'll engage in case studies, group projects, and simulations that require you to apply both technical and managerial skills. These tasks might involve developing engineering plans, leading team projects, or proposing solutions to engineering challenges.
Among the key technical skills you'll develop are project management, systems engineering, and data analytics. You'll also gain soft skills such as leadership, communication, and strategic thinking, which are vital for managing multidisciplinary teams and making informed decisions.
Many schools require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in engineering, applied mathematics, or a science-related field. You also typically need a 3.0 GPA or higher and some engineering-related work experience to qualify for acceptance. You may need two to three years to complete your degree, depending on whether you're studying full time or part time.
What Are Some Common Courses in a Master's in Engineering Management Program?
To earn a master's in engineering management, you'll need to complete 30-36 credit hours of coursework. You may also be required to conduct some original research in the field or write a thesis as part of a capstone project. Some of the core courses may include:
- Product Management: This course teaches students about product management essentials like identifying customer needs and managing a product throughout its lifecycle. Students undertake projects using the sprint model, mirroring real-world product team operations​​.
- Finance and Economics for Engineering Management: By focusing on economic models and methods, this course helps students analyze and make sound decisions. It involves mathematical calculations and risk analysis that can be used to understand and articulate findings in various situations​​.
- Risk Analysis and Management: This course familiarizes students with reliability engineering and risk terminology, which are essential for evaluating environmental, technological, and social risks​​.
- Decision Analysis: Students in this course learn to navigate complex decision-making scenarios using tools like utility theory, decision trees, and sensitivity analysis. Projects involve team analysis of real-world situations​​.
What Does an Online Master’s in Engineering Management Cost, and How Can You Save?
When you're considering earning an online engineering management master's degree, one of your earliest decisions is how you're going to pay for it. Before you apply to any program, you may want to research the estimated cost of earning a master's degree and determine how much you can afford.
With any master's degree, tuition makes up most of the total cost. To get a ballpark estimate of the tuition fees for a master's degree, we can turn to data published by the National Center for Education Statistics. The most recent data show that the for graduate programs in the 2022 school year was $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private institutions. As you can see, a public school is likely to be a more affordable choice than a private school.
However, our list of the most affordable engineering management degrees at the master's level indicates that there are many additional cost-effective options that will help you save money. Choosing an online program could save you thousands of dollars since many schools charge lower tuition rates for online students than they do for on-campus students.
Additional ways to minimize the cost of a master's in engineering management include working at a full-time or part-time job to earn extra income and reducing living expenses by moving to an affordable place to live. Also, be sure to check with your employer to see if it offers a tuition reimbursement program.
How Financial Aid Can Help You Pay for an Online Master’s in Engineering Management?
Financial aid can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of earning an online master’s in engineering management. To get started, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once submitted, your chosen school will review your financial details and send a financial aid award letter outlining your eligibility for federal, state, or institutional funding.
For online students, financial aid packages often include grants, fellowships, or scholarships—which are ideal since they typically don’t need to be repaid. Some online programs may even offer engineering-specific scholarships or assistantships for graduate students, even if you're not on campus.
You may also be offered federal or private student loans. Before accepting a loan, it's wise to calculate the total cost of borrowing, including interest. Tools like our student loan repayment calculator can help you estimate monthly payments and long-term financial impact.
What Can You Do With an Online Engineering Management Degree?
Although a master's degree in engineering management is not necessarily a requirement for high-level managerial and executive roles, the knowledge and abilities you develop by earning this degree may make you a more competitive job candidate. Depending on your prior experience and education, you may be able to specialize in specific types of engineering projects, such as industrial, mechanical, electrical, or safety engineering.
In general, engineering managers plan and coordinate engineering projects. For any given project, they may devise detailed plans, determine what resources are needed, formulate a budget, and coordinate the work throughout the completion of the project. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering managers earn a . Demand for trained professionals is expected to increase by 6% through 2033, which is on par with the economy overall.
An advanced education in engineering management may also prepare you for other similar occupations. For example, you may aspire to become an industrial production manager focused on manufacturing. The median annual wage for this position is . You could also use your management skills in the role of administrative services and facilities manager. The median annual salary for this occupation is .
Engineering managers are not required to earn any additional certifications. However, you may want to consider earning from the Project Management Institute.
How Do I Choose a Master's in Engineering Management?
Start by reviewing each program’s curriculum in detail. Look for courses that align with your professional goals, whether that’s transitioning into project leadership, pursuing a specialized field like systems engineering, or preparing for executive roles in tech-driven organizations. Some programs may offer electives or concentrations in areas such as data analytics, product innovation, or supply chain management, which could be a strong match for your ambitions.
Beyond curriculum, consider the program’s overall value. Evaluate tuition alongside the availability of financial aid, scholarships, or employer tuition reimbursement. Don’t overlook hidden costs like technology fees or required residencies.
Also look into faculty experience. Programs led by instructors with real-world industry leadership often provide more practical, immediately applicable insights than purely theoretical ones.
Access to online student services is another differentiator. Strong online programs offer robust support, including academic advising, career counseling, technical help, and opportunities for networking with peers or alumni. These can be especially important for online learners managing work and study simultaneously.
Finally, make sure the online school is institutionally accredited, ideally by a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures academic quality and is typically required for federal financial aid eligibility. You might also check whether the program is a member of professional organizations like the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), which can signal additional credibility and industry alignment.
Can I Teach With a Master's in Engineering Management?
Yes, a master's in engineering management can qualify you to teach at the community college level and, in some cases, in university settings. However, most schools will also require several years of work experience in order to teach practical, application-oriented courses.
Is a Master's Degree in Engineering Management Worth It?
This degree can be particularly valuable if you're looking to transition into positions like project director, operations manager, or VP of engineering, where leadership, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination are key. According to data from the BLS, many of these roles offer median salaries well above $100,000, meaning the financial return on investment can be significant, especially if you choose an affordable online program.
Moreover, the flexibility of an online format allows you to continue working while studying, reducing opportunity costs and allowing you to apply new skills immediately in your current job. If long-term career growth, salary advancement, or broader leadership opportunities are priorities for you, then an engineering management master’s can be a strategic and worthwhile investment
Student Reviews of Online Engineering Management Programs
Liberty University is an excellent institution that has a lot to offer its students. One of the most impressive aspects of the university is the quality of its professors. It's clear that the faculty are knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to helping their students succeed. It's great to hear that you've had a positive experience with them and that they've been able to answer your questions and provide support throughout your time at the university. In addition to the great professors, Liberty... Read More
Review Date: 2/16/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experiences with SDSMT for the online MENGM degree have been great. The professors have been engaging in their courses. They've been knowledgeable on their subjects with industry experience and relevant anecdotes. They have been flexible with scheduling, which is appreciated as a student who is working full time. The school worked with me to transfer over credits from some external courses and the process was no-hassle.
Review Date: 11/20/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Engineering Management degree is a great program for people working and trying to earn a degree. It applies lessons in the classroom such as theories and strategies to the real world. Often times our projects in the classroom are tied to work, because of this I can present my work to my bosses resulting in praising, bonuses, and raises. Because you have class with other workers you get to network and work with a diverse team. Overall this is a fantastic degree.
Review Date: 2/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Christian Brother is an excellent school so far, this is my second semester and i am very happy with the help i am getting from the professors and my classmates. My undergraduate degree is in biochemistry at middle Tennessee state university and I am now pursing my MS in Engineering sciences management.I am learning so much from the professors and classmates who's background is in engineering. Great school over all.
Review Date: 3/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Arizona State has offered me the opportunity of getting knowledge that will help me advance in my career. The best of all, in this time of willing or unwilling segregation, ASU offers you access to a diverse student body that will make you more open to other cultures.
Review Date: 6/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My experience at the University of Texas at Tyler has been exceptional. I have contacted school personnel in several different aspects including financial aid office, academic advisors, bookstore, librarians, as well as curriculum professors. Every time I have been met with sincere and genuine interest in having my questions answered, issues resolved, and redirection towards the best route to take for academic success. The courses I have been enrolled provided me with very informed and educational... Read More
Review Date: 8/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Overall my experience was good, it was a good pace with good coverage of the material. There were a number of courses I had to take that I neither wanted to or needed for my career. It would be helpful if you could pick and choose some courses from other programs as needed. I can't say that it helped or hurt my career in any way, it's a program you take more for your own personal educational achievements than to 'wow' an employer to be hired for a new job or get a promotion at an existing job. For... Read More
Review Date: 8/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Tyler at Tyler is a great school. There are good facilities on campus. The environment is friendly and great. Opportunity to meet with other international student from other countries. Great library facilities. Accommodating l staffs and professors.
Review Date: 2/27/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
One of the best school for International Students. It provides and supports students with numerous financial aids. The Industrial Management program here helps students to get 3 certifications which would be an advantage to a student career. I recommend this school to every aspiring International students.
Review Date: 7/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Texas at Tyler is one of the best universities in the Texas education system. It provides students with numerous scholarships which would be an added advantage to the International students. I personally suggest every aspiring international student to apply.
Review Date: 7/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Faculty and staff are friendly and help you in all possible ways. They answer all your questions from your admission till you graduate. Lovely campus and engaging student life. Excellent student services. Good on-campus dining options and academic facilities.
Review Date: 11/30/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Faculty and staff are friendly and helpful. They answer all your questions from admission till you graduate. Student and faculty interaction is the best. Lovely campus with a lake in the middle. Good on-campus dining options. Excellent student services. Fun and engaging student life.
Review Date: 11/30/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently doing MS in Industrial Management and my experience at UT Tyler has been very good up till now. Though it is relatively smaller school, it has state-of-art technology and low student-teacher ratio allows you to build good understanding with faculty members, not to mention it is the part of giant UT system. The Graduate school at UT Tyler tries its level best to provide New Graduate Fellowship to most of the applicants/returning students which makes the tuition fees very less (around... Read More
Review Date: 8/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Rutgers University has an amazing MBS (Master of Business & Science) program. My concentration is Engineering Management and I am specializing in Pharmaceutical Engineering. The courses I took towards my degree were taught by pioneers in their respective fields. Rutgers is a Research power-house, and one of the few universities working in tandem with industry for Continuous manufacturing in Pharmaceuticals. The courses are not only rich in content, they also provide knowledge of current practices... Read More
Review Date: 3/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Rutgers University has an amazing MBS (Master of Business & Science) program. My concentration is Engineering Management and I am specializing in Pharmaceutical Engineering. The courses I took towards my degree were taught by pioneers in their respective fields. Rutgers is a Research power-house, and one of the few universities working in tandem with industry for Continuous manufacturing in Pharmaceuticals. The courses are not only rich in content, they also provide knowledge of current practices... Read More
Review Date: 3/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently getting my MS in Industrial Management and my experience at UT Tyler has been very good so far. Though it is a relatively small school, it has state-of-art technology and a low student-teacher ratio, which allows you to build a good understanding with faculty members; not to mention it is part of the giant UT system. The Graduate School at UT Tyler tries its level best to provide New Graduate Fellowships to most of the applicants/returning students, which makes the tuition fees very... Read More
Review Date: 8/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have done my Masters in UT Tyler, it is a very good place to work on our masters because the faculty and staff are really friendly and Tyler is a place which I think is a second home for me. The Practical experience that UT Tyler has give is really good and it has a curriculum which is required in Industries.
Review Date: 8/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Florida International University is a growing University. It isn't well known for many people outside Florida but it is a University that will be ranked a top 20 school in a couple of years. I graduated with My EE degree and i have to say it was a really good program and learned a lot to prepare myself after graduation. I recently enrolled again to pursue my Masters Degree in Engineering Management and I have to say the program is currently on of a kind if you are pursuing anything Management within... Read More
Review Date: 8/10/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Engineering Management program was a hybrid of online and in-class Friday/Saturday once per month sessions. There was a great mixture of management, engineering and business related classes. Some of these included engineering reliability, project management, patent law, accounting and marketing. The investment from the professors in online classes was more than expected; often times, I was expected to skype the professor or have teleconferences in order to build the one on one relationship. I... Read More
Review Date: 12/29/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The program was fun and challenging at times centric around working in teams. I appreciate all of the real world experiences that the professors brought to the curriculum. I cannot say the same for my peers, but before I even attended graduation, I was offered a job over six figures with a 45 percent pay raise.
Review Date: 5/13/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No